Heidi Brandis is a passionate and influential advocate for the recognition of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) in Australia. Her dedication to raising awareness and providing comprehensive, accessible information has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of PDA across professional and community sectors.

As keynote speaker, Heidi will explore PDA and its implications for occupational therapists, offering insights into how a deeper understanding of PDA can transform therapeutic approaches and support strategies.

Heidi brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. She is the mother of a 23-year-old neurodivergent adult and an 18-year-old neurotypical young adult. Over the past 15 years, she has volunteered extensively in autism and PDA supporting families, educators, and health professionals through training and advocacy.

A former occupational therapist and ergonomist, Heidi worked for over two decades in physical and vocational rehabilitation, injury management, and ergonomics. She stepped away from her career to become a full-time carer, a transition that led to personal challenges including social isolation. Determined to help others navigate similar journeys, Heidi authored four editions of the WA Autism Parent Handbook (2013–2023), a free and highly regarded resource distributed to over 75,000 families and professionals across Western Australia.

Heidi has founded multiple autism and PDA support groups, led professional interest networks, and advocated for systemic change. Her efforts have contributed to significant milestones, including the inclusion of PDA in the Commonwealth Government’s National Autism Strategy, released in January this year. Heidi is also the Convenor of the Inaugural PDA Conference Australia in November 2025.